® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node User Manual Table of Contents Wireless Sensor Network Overview Node Overview 2.1 Components List 2.2 Interface and Indicators 2.3 Node Operational Modes System Operational Overview 3.1 Software Installation 3.2 System Connections 3.3 Gateway USB Communication 3.4 Connect to Nodes 3.4.1 Adding a Node by Address 3.4.2 Using Node Discovery...
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® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node User Manual Powering the Node 6.1 Internal Node Battery 6.2 Connecting an External Power Supply Sensor Settings and Operation 7.1 Node Channels Designations 7.2 Measurement Units 7.3 Sensor Conversion Values 7.4 Operational Considerations 7.4.1 Measurement Range 7.4.2 Node Sampling Rates 7.4.3 Gravity Offset...
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® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node User Manual 11.1 Physical Specifications 11.2 Operating Specifications 11.3 Radio Specifications Safety Information 12.1 Battery Hazards 12.2 Power Supply 12.3 ESD Sensitivity 12.4 Disposal and Recycling References 13.1 Reference Information 13.2 Glossary...
Node Commander and SensorCloud™ software platforms. Integration to customer systems can be accomplished using OEM versions of ® the sensor nodes and leveraging the LORD MicroStrain data communications protocol. ® Common wireless applications of LORD MicroStrain...
1000 Hz. The node can log data to internal memory and transmit real-time, synchronized data at a wide range of sample rates and intervals. To acquire sensor data, the G-Link2 -LXRS is used with a LORD MicroStrain data gateway such ® ®...
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Node Overview User Manual Components List ® ® The G-Link2 -LXRS can be purchased with integrated accelerometers or an interface for an external accelerometer. The configurations cannot be combined, and the external configuration has an additional connector for the accelerometer.
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Node Overview User Manual 2.2 Interface and Indicators ® ® The G-Link2 -LXRS includes a sensor connector (external accelerometer option only), a power connector, and mounting holes for device installation. The radio frequency (RF) antenna is internal to the node.
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Node Overview User Manual 2.3 Node Operational Modes Sensor nodes have three operational modes: active , sleep , and idle. When the node is sampling it is in active mode. To stop sampling, the node is put into idle mode. Idle mode is used for configuring node settings (such as frequency and sampling rates) and is the only way to stop sampling or go between active and sleep modes.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). For important precautions see Safety Information on page ® To acquire sensor data, nodes are used with any LORD MicroStrain data gateway, such as the ® ® ® ®...
To install Node Commander Software Suite on the host computer, run the installer executable file and follow the on-screen prompts. The software is provided with all gateways ® and is available on the LORD MicroStrain website (see References on page 64).
® USB interface to Node Commander ® Users can also write custom programs by utilizing the LORD MicroStrain Wireless Sensors Network Software Development Kit (see References on page 64).
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node System Operational Overview User Manual 3.3 Gateway USB Communication The WSDA-Base USB gateway is used as an example in this quick start guide. For information ® on how to use other gateways, refer to the gateway or Node Commander user manual (see References on page...
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node System Operational Overview User Manual 3.4 Connect to Nodes ® Several methods can be used in Node Commander to establish communication with the nodes. This quick start section covers the two simplest methods; adding a node by address and by using the node discovery feature.
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node System Operational Overview User Manual 3.4.2 Using Node Discovery The Node Discovery feature allows connection between the gateway and node to occur even if they are on different frequencies. To connect to nodes using node discovery, begin by making sure the node is powered off.
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node System Operational Overview User Manual Channel Configuration The sensor settings are stored in the node memory, and each sensor is assigned a corresponding channel number. The configuration menus will only show the channels and configuration options that are available for the type of node being used.
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® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node System Operational Overview User Manual 2. To enter the channel configuration menu, select the Configure button as shown in Figure 8 - Node Channels Menu. The channel configuration menu options change depending on the sensor type selected. a.
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node System Operational Overview User Manual 3.6 Sampling Settings Sampling settings are accessed through the Configure Node menu. There is a tab for each sampling mode available for the particular node (Figure 10 - Sample Settings Menu).The G- ®...
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node System Operational Overview User Manual 3.7 Data Acquisition When data acquisition is started, each of the sampling modes has different menu options and views. Some open a settings menu before data acquisition begins and may include a data list view and/or a graph view.
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® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node System Operational Overview User Manual button opens the node configuration menus to adjust settings as needed and recalculates the node bandwidth. Multiple nodes can be configured together by using the Shift or Ctrl key to select them. c.
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® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node System Operational Overview User Manual g. Apply settings and start sampling: Before acquisition can begin, use the Apply Network Settings to save the session settings to the node. When completed, select Start Sampling to begin. h.
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® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node System Operational Overview User Manual NOTE When synchronized sampling is set to slower sample rates it may take several seconds after sampling is initiated for the first sample to appear. Use the view menu to select the Graph view of the data (see Synchronized Sampling Graph View on page 23).
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® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node System Operational Overview User Manual e. Data file: The location and size of the data file as data is added. View the data in .CSV format with the Open File button. f. End sampling: The red "X" is used to exit the sampling window and/or end sampling.
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node System Operational Overview User Manual 3.8 Data Handling ® Data acquired through Node Commander is automatically saved on the host computer (see Sensor Data Files on page 29) and can also be viewed from the web-based SensorCloud™ portal.
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node System Operational Overview User Manual 3.8.1 Connecting to SensorCloud™ To connect to SensorCloud go to the SensorCloud website log-in page, and enter the log-in credentials. Register as a new user if needed. http://sensorcloud.com/log-in/ Figure 16 - SensorCloud™...
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CSV Uploader - The data upload feature enables data from any source (such as non-Ethernet LORD MicroStrain gateways, or third- party sensor) to be uploaded to the SensorCloud platform. The data must be in the LORD MicroStrain CSV format.
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® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node System Operational Overview User Manual ® (FFTs), and more ( Figure 19 - MathEngine® View ) . MathEngine interfaces with the SensorCloud graphing view for faster processing. Users can write their own algorithms for ®...
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node System Operational Overview User Manual 3.8.2 Sensor Data Files Data acquired in Node Commander is stored in .CSV format and can be opened with Microsoft Excel, Quattro Pro, Open Office, or another CSV editors/spreadsheet program. Data in this format is easily uploaded to SensorCloud™...
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Node Installation User Manual Node Installation 4.1 Mounting Recommendations ® ® The G-Link2 -LXRS is rated for IP67 environmental protection from water and dust and can be used in many indoor and outdoor applications. There are two mounting tabs on the node, with holes for fastening. ...
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Node Installation User Manual 4.2 Sensor Frame During installation, the internal or external accelerometer is oriented such that the axis are aligned appropriately for the measurement application. The axis orientation is referred to as the sensor frame and is indicated on the device information label (Figure 23 - Sensor Frame).
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Node Installation User Manual 4.3 Optimizing the Radio Link In ideal conditions, the nodes and gateway can communicate up to two kilometers apart. In order to accomplish this, the node and gateway must be installed in a manner that optimizes the ®...
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Node Installation User Manual 4.3.1 Range Test After establishing communication between node and gateway, use the range test feature in ® Node Commander to monitor the signal strength and to optimally position the nodes, gateway, and antennas for installation.
This input only accepts ® LORD MicroStrain accelerometers, which are available in ±2 g and ±10 g standard ranges, as well as custom ranges up to ±200 g. For ordering information...
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Powering the Node User Manual Powering the Node ® The node can be powered with either the internal battery or an external source. The G-Link2 ® LXRS automatically switches between the two sources when it detects a voltage (or lack of voltage) on the external input.
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Powering the Node User Manual 6.2 Connecting an External Power Supply Apply only the input voltage range specified for the node in the polarity indicated. Failure to do so could result in personal injury and permanent damage to the node ( see Safety Information on page...
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Sensor Settings and Operation User Manual Sensor Settings and Operation The node configuration interface includes settings for measurement units and conversion values. ® ® The G-Link2 -LXRS internal and external sensors are calibrated at the factory and require no user adjustment of the conversion values.
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Sensor Settings and Operation User Manual 7.2 Measurement Units Sensor measurement units are set in the channel Configuration menu. 1. To enter the Configuration menu, right-click on the Node heading, and select Configure > Configure Node.
57. For applications with unique installation conditions it may be desirable to adjust the conversion offset value or perform a field calibration. To determine if this is appropriate, ® contact LORD MicroStrain Technical Support (see Technical Support on page 51).
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® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Sensor Settings and Operation User Manual Figure 33 - Advanced Conversion Values Menu Conversion Formula: The conversion formula assumes a linear relationship between the original units (such as A/D bits) and new engineering units (such as g -force ), and it is expressed mathematically as y=mx+b, where y is the engineering units at a given point (measurement), m is the slope of the line that represents the linear ratio, x is the original unit value at a given point, and b is a unit conversion offset (in the case of unit conversions) or the...
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Sensor Settings and Operation User Manual 7.4 Operational Considerations 7.4.1 Measurement Range The accelerometer bandwidth limits the range of frequencies that can be measured. As the measured vibration frequency approaches the upper bandwidth limitation of the accelerometer, the accelerometer sensitivity decreases.
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Sensor Settings and Operation User Manual 7.4.3 Gravity Offset During data acquisition it is normal to see up to -1g offset due to the effects of gravity on the sensor axis. For more information on the sensor reference frame see Sensor Frame on page Figure 34 - Gravity Offset...
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1.5 node or gateway is damaged If all power settings and connections have been verified, and the ® node is still unresponsive, contact LORD MicroStrain Technical Support (See Technical Support on page 51). 2.1 node or gateway has no power 2.
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® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Troubleshooting User Manual Problem Possible cause and recommended solution communications on a DHCP network. Check that the ® extended timeouts are enabled in the Node Commander Edit > Preferences menu, under Devices. Once communication has been established, the network configuration can be changed.
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3.4 sensor is not connected correctly Verify sensors connections and wiring (if applicable). For non- ® standard connections contact LORD MicroStrain Technical Support (See Technical Support on page 51).
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Troubleshooting User Manual 8.2 Device Status Indicators ® ® The following is a complete summary of the G-Link2 -LXRS status indicators. Indicator Behavior Node Status Node is OFF or sleeping Node is sleeping with radio check OFF, with occasional flash intervals enabled (default is every 5 seconds)
® ® 1. Download the LXRS Firmware Upgrade file from the LORD MicroStrain website. 2. Once downloaded, extract the contents of the .zip file into a folder on the computer. Verify there is a file with a .zhex extension.
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® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Troubleshooting User Manual 5. Release the F1 key. 6. Click Upgrade Firmware, and the Node Firmware Upgrade window will appear. 7. Click Browse, and navigate to the downloaded .zhex file. 8. Click Write, and the upgrade sequence will begin. When completed, "Upgrade Success"...
LORD MicroStrain within the warranty period. ® This warranty does not extend to any LORD MicroStrain products which have been subject to misuse, alteration, neglect, accident, incorrect wiring, mis- programming, or use in violation of operating instructions furnished by us. It also does not extend to any units altered or repaired for warranty defect by ®...
Troubleshooting User Manual 8.5 Technical Support ® There are many resources for product support found on the LORD MicroStrain website, including technical notes, FAQs, and product manuals. http://www.microstrain.com/support_overview.aspx For further assistance our technical support engineers are available to help with technical and applications questions.
The replaceable battery is the only user serviceable part in the G-Link2 -LXRS . For instructions on how to change the battery, see Internal Node Battery on page ® For other service or repair needs contact LORD MicroStrain Technical Support (see Technical Support on page 51).
Parts and Configurations 10.1 Standard Nodes For the most current product information, custom, and OEM options not listed below, refer to ® ® the LORD MicroStrain website or contact the LORD MicroStrain Sales Department. LORD ® Model Number Description MicroStrain Part Number Internal ±2 g tri-axial...
The following parts are available for use with the G-Link2 -LXRS . For the most current product information, custom, and OEM options not listed below, refer to the LORD ® ® MicroStrain website or contact the LORD MicroStrain Sales Department. See Product Ordering on page ® LORD MicroStrain Description...
® The following system parts are available for use with the G-Link2 - LXRS . For the most ® current standard, custom, and OEM product options, refer to the LORD MicroStrain website ® or contact the LORD MicroStrain Sales Department.
Parts and Configurations User Manual 10.4 Product Ordering ® Products can be ordered directly from the LORD MicroStrain website by navigating to the product page and using the Buy feature. http://www.microstrain.com/wireless For further assistance, our sales team is available to help with product selection, ordering options, and questions.
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Specifications User Manual Specifications 11.1 Physical Specifications Node Dimensions: 68 mm x 85.4 mm x 33.5 mm Weight: Node: 178 grams Environmental Rating: IP67 External Accelerometer Dimensions: 31 mm x 21 mm x 16 mm Weight: Node: 74 grams Environmental Rating:...
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Specifications User Manual 11.3 Radio Specifications ® ® The G- Link2 - LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node employs a 2.4GHz IEEE 802.15.4 compliant radio transceiver for wireless communication. The radio is a direct-sequence spread spectrum radio and can be configured to operate on 14 separate frequencies ranging from 2.405 GHz to 2.470 GHz. ...
Safety Information User Manual Safety Information This section provides a summary of general safety precautions that must be understood and ® applied during operation and maintenance of components in the LORD MicroStrain Wireless Sensor Network. 12.1 Battery Hazards ® ®...
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Safety Information User Manual 12.2 Power Supply ® ® The G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node can be powered by an external source. Apply only the input voltage range specified for the G- ® ® Link2 -LXRS . ...
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node Safety Information User Manual 12.4 Disposal and Recycling ® ® The G-Link2 -LXRS contains internal batteries, printed circuit boards, and electronic components. These items are known to contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals that are harmful to humans health and the environment. Disposal is subject to federal and local laws. ...
References 13.1 Reference Information ® Many references are available on the LORD MicroStrain website including product user manuals, technical notes, and quick start guides. These documents are continuously updated, and new applications are added. They may provide more accurate information than printed or file copies. ...
® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node References User Manual 13.2 Glossary These terms are in common use throughout the manual: A/D Value: the digital representation of the analog voltages in an analog- to- digital (A/D) conversion. The accuracy of the conversion is dependent on the resolution of the system electronics;...
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® ® LXRS :Lossless Extended Range Synchronized is the proprietary LORD MicroStrain data communications protocol used in the wireless sensor network. NIST: The National Institute of Standards and Testing is a nationally-accepted organization for testing and calibration of technological devices.
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References User Manual ® Node Tester board: The Node Tester board is a device designed by LORD MicroStrain that can be plugged into nodes to test their functionality. Offset: When describing a mathematically-linear relationship, the offset is the value where the line that represents the relationship in a graph crosses the y-axis. ...
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® ® G-Link2 -LXRS Wireless Accelerometer Node References User Manual Sensor: a device that physically or chemically reacts to environmental forces and conditions, producing a predictable electrical signal Sleep: a command transmitted to the node to put it into sleep configuration Sampling: the process of taking measurements from a sensor or device Sampling Mode: the type of sampling that is being utilized, such as event- triggered, continuous, or periodic. ...
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